Friday, August 25
6:30 – 8 PM at Pura Vida Divers
Finding a seahorse in the wild can be as tough as finding a needle in a haystack. These elusive fish are often found accidentally by anglers, divers, or beach combers, hidden among drifting seaweed or latched onto crab traps. These serendipitous findings sparked the idea of having seahorses serve as advocates for our treasured Indian River Lagoon.
We welcome you on Friday, August 25th to learn all about Florida’s Seahorses! We will be joined by Seahorse researcher Nancy Pham, former site manager of the FIT Vero Beach Marine Lab and current Coastal Biology Director of Education.
Through a widespread collaboration, Nancy gathered data from over 400 seahorse sightings along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of Florida, many from our own Blue Heron Bridge. The sightings are often paired up with a nonlethal DNA sample of the seahorse to help biologists measure genetic diversity and connectivity in wild seahorse populations. The genetic methods used in this study uses similar methods used to trace human ancestry. Studying seahorses at the molecular level will enable conservationists to develop management plans for coastal waterways, and develop a better understanding of how fishes
may respond to warming habitats.
Join us as she shares details of her research project, including opportunities for “citizen scientist” volunteers.
Evening’s Itinerary:
6:30 pm to 7 pm: Happy Hour – Enjoy refreshing hors d’oeuvres on us! Bring your favorite “potluck” style dish to share. Sip wine and beer as you chat with fellow guests, the evenings’ presenter, and the Pura Vida Crew.
7 pm to 7:45 pm: Presentation by Nancy Pham
7:45 pm to 8 pm: Questions & Raffle Drawing
Proceeds from our 50/50 raffle will be donated to non-profit Seahorse researchers. The winner of the raffle drawing will receive a gift certificate for the value of half the proceeds raised, or they may choose to donate the entire amount.
To RSVP for the Social Night on Fri, Aug 25th, please email info.pvd@puravidadivers.com or call Pura Vida Divers at 561-840-8750.
